BELTWAY GUNRUNNERS

ATF tries to block 'Fast and Furious' book

Agent rips 'absurd' claim of harm to 'morale'

(POLITICO) The ATF agent who blew the whistle on “Fast and Furious” said Tuesday that it’s “absurd” that the agency is blocking his book on the operation by claiming it would harm morale.

Special Agent John Dodson appeared on CNN’s “New Day” to defend his book, the day after the American Civil Liberties Union wrote a letter to the ATF on his behalf urging it to reconsider their decision to bar its publication.

Dodson, the first agent who brought attention to the ATF’s failed gun-walking operation, submitted a manuscript of his book to the agency for review but was told he could not publish it under the agency’s right to refuse outside employment, including requests to speak, write or teach, for “any reason,” according to the ACLU.